After walking with fellow senior classmates in Cal's Senior Day celebration prior to the Bears' season finale vs. BYU, senior safety Avery Sebastian announced today that he'd be graduating this December and pursuing his studies in another graduate program this spring.

Cal head coach Sonny Dykes had this to say regarding Sebastian's impending graduation and grad school transfer:

“Avery Sebastian has been an outstanding representative of the University of California and our football program both on and off the field since his arrival at Cal. I congratulate Avery on graduating from the No. 1 public university in the nation in four years and wish him nothing but the best in all of his future pursuits.”

Sebastian came to Cal from Eagle's Landing High School in McDonough, GA as a 4 star U.S. Army All-American safety and made his presence felt as soon as he hit the field as a freshman with his hard-hitting, exciting brand of football, primarily on special teams.

The redshirt junior played through injuries this season, accumulating 21 tackles and an interception in his fourth and final year at Cal.

"I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been a student-athlete at the University of California, Berkeley, and earn my undergraduate degree from the world’s top public university.

"I am extremely proud to be a Golden Bear,and strived to be a leader on and off the field. I left my blood, sweat and tears on Kabam Field at California Memorial Stadium. I gave everything I had to this program and community while working hard to finish my degree in four years and will forever be thankful to all of those who helped support me during this journey.

"Now, I am ready to pursue my master’s degree. However, Cal does not currently offer a graduate program in my field of choice. In addition, I have one year of eligibility remaining and wish to play that final year while working toward my master’s degree at another university.

"I will always love this university, my teammates, fellow students, administration, coaches, staff, our fans, and all who helped make this experience unforgettable. You made my four years in Berkeley four years that I will always treasure and never forget.
Thank you, Cal Family, for everything.